Month: September 2011

In an effort to both save money on interest and lower our monthly mortgage payment, we have decided to consider refinancing our mortgage. I have spoken with several lenders and it looks like we can refinance our loan – and reduce or interest rate by more than a full percentage point. When we purchased our home nearly two years ago, rates were already very low (historically speaking). We happy with our rate and figured that we would just stick with it, pay off our mortgage as quickly as possible, and be happy. However, since that time, rates have continued to drop – and are now at the point where, even if we have to pay a little in closing costs,…

In February of 2010 my wife and I purchased our very first home. We have a conventional 15-year mortgage and our plan is to pay it off in less than 10 years. Our stretch goal is to pay it off in less than 7. As of September 16, 2011, we have made 18 regular mortgage payments – and several, additional, principal-only payments. When I posted February’s update, we had paid off 5.72% of our mortgage debt. When I posted March’s update, we had paid off 6.26% of our mortgage debt. When I posted April’s update, we had paid off 6.90% of our mortgage debt. When I posted May’s update, we had paid off 7.35% of our mortgage debt. When I…

Between now and September 19, 2011 Snapfish is offering a Buy 1, Get 2 deal on Photo Books with Code:LOVE8X11 Exp: 9/19. Click the link and enter the code at checkout for the deal. We have three kids – and two sets of grandparents. Each year, we design a photo book (or two, or three) – as Christmas or anniversary gifts for the grandparents. This year, for the price of one book, I can can get three! I am always looking for ways to decrease spending, while still being able to create awesome, memorable gifts. Our kids love creating the books and our parents love them, too. You can order 3 copies of the same book, or make 3 original…